Even as the genius of the CE industry is displayed at CES, some of today's most innovative technologies-from XM Radio to Google-are under attack. Hollywood, the major record labels and other big content interests are behind a wave of lawsuits and legislation designed to restrict CE products and consumers' use of them.

These laws and lawsuits have nothing to do with the Internet, piracy or P2P. Instead, they seek to restrict what Americans can do with lawfully acquired content, for noncommercial purposes, within their private homes and vehicles.

This is not a new issue or a new problem. The big music and film industries always have opposed new technologies like the cassette recorder, the VCR and the MP3 player that have enhanced consumers' quality of life and driven the economy, but also required huge media corporations to modernize. 

That's why the Digital Freedom Campaign is fighting back. This growing group of innovators, artists, students and consumers know that they also have rights in this copyright debate and they want to make themselves heard. The campaign has three main points:

1. The digital revolution is providing new opportunities for artists to create, distribute and sell their works. Meanwhile, technology has democratized creativity, allowing anyone to be an author, filmmaker or broadcaster. For example, millions of ordinary Americans have posted their original videos on YouTube for all to enjoy.

2. Piracy is wrong-but ordinary consumers are not pirates, and private consumer conduct is not piracy. These must not be confused.

3. Technology can be disruptive, and it changes (and improves) the way we live and work. But the big labels and studios must not be allowed to block new advances and preserve their legacy business models through Congress and the courts. 

Digital Freedom members include CEA, Public Knowledge, The Media Access Project, The Electronic Frontier Foundation, The Computer and Communications Industry Association, The New America Foundation, Free Networks.org, The Record Industry.com, National Video Resources, BeTheMedia, MOBROC and hundreds of other individuals and organizations. 

CEA has an interest in preserving innovation and ensuring that the innovation the industry sees at CES continues into the future. But this future is threatened, as attacks on lawful technology have reached a critical point. CEA urges you to visit the campaign's website at www.digitalfreedom.org, get engaged, and stand up for your Digital Freedom.

Green Is Clean

CEA is launching myGreenElectronics.org at the 2007 International CES. This comprehensive Web tool is designed to educate consumers about responsible use, reuse and recycling of electronics, as well as provide insight into the industry's environmental efforts.

The site features a zipcode search of certified electronics recyclers and e-waste collection events, making it convenient for consumers to discover their area e-cycling options with simply a click. The site also includes tips for saving energy with electronics and information about the average energy use in certain product categories. As its URL suggests, myGreenElectronics.org features a searchable database of "green" electronics, comprised of the ever-expanding eco-friendly product lines developed by many companies.  

For more information about myGreenElectronics.org, contact Kristina Taylor or Parker Brugge. V

By Michael Petricone
January/February 2007